Sunday, May 12, 2013

on motherhood

Some days motherhood feels like picking up a million dirty socks and putting them in the hamper, or not budging an inch from the kitchen sink all day long. Sometimes it feels like reading the same 14 books on the couch every afternoon. A lot of motherhood is repetitive and thankless. And yet, I believe it is divine. There are moments, if I seek for them, that can make the drudgery of my days disappear. A snuggle with Elliot can erase my memory of his most recent tantrum. A little visit with Stella can make her endless questions seems less constant. Working along side Mabel and Oliver can help me forgive their unmade beds or scattered legos.

I think I've shared this quote before, but it is beautiful, and so I am sharing it again.

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congress? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this." Neal A. Maxwell

The work of a mother is important. Every bit of it. Today, and everyday, I am thankful for my opportunity to do it.

9 comments:

I love your blog and usually am not one to make comments, but I just wanted to say that I think you seem like such a fabulous, eloquent mother and woman. I love the simplicity of your blog. Thanks for your thoughts and for sharing this quote. I shared it on my facebook page.

that quote makes me cry. you know, when i tell people what i'm writing my phd on so many say - wow, that's so specific and narrow! how did you come up with that? i'm like - excuse me, but don't you have a mother? doesn't nearly every woman (especially in a country like ethiopia) experience motherhood? how is this experience that touches directly every person on the planet specific and narrow? it is everything! it is life! someone had to take care of every person on earth in some way or other, or else they wouldn't still be here. that is so remarkable to think about. three cheers for mothers - everyday should be dedicated to remembering them.

hi, i'm stephanie

i am a wife, a mother, a homemaker, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a collector of white cake plates, a seamstress, and a want-to-be runner. i live in arizona, where the sun always shines, and the winters are a dream. i blog about my life at home. it's a good life, and i am happy.